Holiday Gift Guide: Go-Karts for Kids or Youth
- on September 25, 2023
- Categories: Articles
The holiday season approaches faster than you think, so there is no better time to start preparing for your purchases. If you have a go-kart on your shopping list this year for your children, you might wonder how to choose the right option. Safety is a top priority when buying a go-kart for kids, but you also need to consider functionality, additional features and your budget. We look at the points you should look at as you make your choice and provide you with a list of some of the top choices for go-karts for your kids.
Important Features When Choosing a Go-Kart for Kids
When you shop for a go-kart for your kids, there are many features to consider to ensure that you get the right one.
How Much Experience Does Your Child Have?
The first thing to consider is how much experience your child has with operating a go-kart. If this is their first, opt for something that is easy to use, such as an electric-powered model with speed limiters. These make better options for beginners for their ease of use and slower speeds. Consider the manufacturer’s suggested age range of any go-kart model you research to ensure it's suitable for the rider in question.
Does the Go-Kart Have Safety Features?
The safer the go-kart model is, the better option it becomes for young riders. When choosing a go-kart for young children, opt for a model with plenty of safety features. Roll cage, safety harnesses and a kill switch all serve important roles in keeping your child safe on the go-kart.
What Are the Safety Ratings?
Research the safety ratings of any go-kart for kids before investing in one for your child. Take time to understand rating factors such as the center of gravity, braking distance and any special considerations for parts that may require upgrades.
Should You Choose Gas or Battery-Powered Go-Karts for Kids?
When you explore your go-kart options, you will find that there are models powered by gas engines as well as those with battery-powered electric engines. Battery-powered models often have a lower top speed and less risk of combustion-related injuries, but gas-powered models have a longer run time, and higher speeds may be desired by older, more experienced riders.
Are Smaller Go-Karts Better for Kids?
One of the reasons to choose a kid-friendly go-kart model is the fact that the size is easier for young children to manage comfortably. The center of gravity will sit lower, reducing the risk of rollover. The cabin will have appropriate proportions for the controls, including the pedals, to stay within easy reach of riders of any age. Avoid putting your child into an overpowered or exceedingly large go-cart that they cannot safely operate. Opt for a model specifically designed for their age group instead.
Another important element to consider with a go-kart for kids is height capacity. Check the height capacity of any model you consider. Each one will have a height range of the ideal riders, so allow for not only your child’s current height but also any expected growth in the upcoming years. Remember that a go-kart is a long-term investment, so treat it accordingly and make sure your child has room for growth.
How Will Your Child Use the Go-Kart?
Narrowing down the ideal go-kart model also means considering how your child will use it. If your child is an adventurer, look for a model with a stronger suspension and wider tires. A lower center of gravity makes the go-kart more stable on uneven trails.
For children who will spend more time running on a track or on level ground, you might not need such a durable suspension, but you’ll want to ensure that the kart you choose has safety harnesses and access to a kill switch for overall safety purposes. Make sure your child can reach the pedals and see clearly when they sit in the driver’s seat of the kart.
Popular Models of Go-Karts for Kids
Understanding what to consider is the first step, but how do you narrow that down to the ideal model to choose from? With so many options on the market, you might wonder where you should start. We have gathered six of our top recommendations for go-kart models to consider.
TrailMaster Cheetah i6
The TrailMaster Cheetah i6 is ideal for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and up to 5’4” tall. It is the first fully electric TrailMaster go-kart for kids. This battery-operated model uses a 48v 20Ah battery to power the 650W DC motor.
The Cheetah i6 includes a 3-speed switch ranging from low to medium to high. On the low setting, a speed limiter keeps the top speed below 13 miles per hour, while on high the maximum speed increases to 19 miles per hour.
Riders will enjoy a 30-mile capacity on a single battery charge with an LED headlight so that the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun drops below the trees. You can rest easy knowing that riders are safe with an adjustable seat and a 4-point safety harness for security.
For younger or new riders, an electric go-kart can provide all the adventure with an increased sense of safety.
TrailMaster Cheetah 6
If you want a gas-powered go-kart, the TrailMaster Cheetah 6 is equivalent in size to the Cheetah i6, but it contains a 163cc, 5.5HP gas engine. This allows the go-kart to reach top speeds of approximately 24 miles per hour.
The Cheetah 6 has an electric start with a pull-start backup system and includes a manual choke so you can even start it when the weather is colder. When you want peace of mind about your rider’s safety, you’ll be glad to know that the Cheetah 6 also has a pull-cord kill switch for emergencies.
When you are looking for go-karts for teens or moderate riders, the Cheetah 6 is a more powerful alternative to the i6 model.
TrailMaster Mid XRX/R
For mid-range riders ages 7-13, you should consider a go-kart such as the TrailMaster Mid XRX/R. This model features a full roll cage with a heavy-gauge steel frame, side rails and an upper brush guard. The cabin has dual high-back seats with shoulder harnesses for added safety.
The gas-powered, 196cc 6.5HP engine has a keyed electric start. The go-kart also includes rack-and-pinion steering and a fully automatic transmission. For the grand adventurers in this age group, the full front and rear coil-over suspension contributes plenty of articulation to navigate off the beaten path and encourage exploration.
TrailMaster Ultra Mini XRX/R+
Some younger kids are adventurers at heart and take to the more advanced go-kart systems with seeming ease. When you need a go-kart for kids with these aptitudes, consider the TrailMaster Ultra Mini XRX/R+. This model is ideal for children ages 4 to 12, with an adjustable seat and a 5-point harness. The model resembles some of the more advanced go-karts, allowing your younger adventurer to feel more empowered at the wheel.
When you want extra peace of mind about their overall safety, you’ll be glad to know that the Ultra Mini XRX/R+ also includes a remote kill switch so you can override it if the situation calls for it. Meanwhile, your riders will enjoy the 163cc, 5.5HP motor with the centrifugal clutch as they venture out behind the wheel.
TrailMaster Blazer i200R
The TrailMaster Blazer i200R is the first lithium-battery-powered mid-size go-kart from TrailMaster. This model starts with the same frame as the Blazer 200R, but it doesn't have the same gas dependency. On a full charge, your rider will get up to 36 miles of riding distance with a top speed of 13 miles per hour in “D” and 27 miles per hour in “S” mode. When you want something for your mid-level riders but hope to get away from gas-powered models, you can get the safety of the 5-point harness and the sturdy frame without the gas engine concerns.
TrailMaster Blazer 200R
The TrailMaster Blazer 200R is an ideal model for mid-level riders 7-13 years old. This is a mid-sized go-kart for riders with moderate experience. The 200cc, 6.5HP electric start motor has a throttle limiter for speed control, which is ideal for safety-conscious buyers. It also has full safety harnesses and a heavy frame on top of a full suspension for articulation on the trail. When you want a balance between adventure and safety for older children when they ride, the Blazer 200R is ideal.
